Former WWE, NJPW and Impact star MVP posted the following on Instagram this past weekend, announcing that he has departed from MLW in recent weeks due to “reasons he cannot understand.” MVP had been working with the company as a wrestler and as a backstage producer since MLW re-launched as a promotion last October.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bks3xOfjV5f/?hl=en&taken-by=truly_mvp
MVP’s last match for MLW will air this weekend on the latest episode of MLW Fusion on beIN Sports, where he competed in a Boiler Room Brawl with Sami Callihan.
New match set for 7/19 Battle Riot show in NYC
MLW issued the following on Tuesday, announcing two new title matches for the 7/19 MLW Fusion “Battle Riot” TV tapings in New York City that will air as a two-hour special on beIN Sports Network on July 27th.
World Heavyweight Champion Shane Strickland to defend title against Sami Callihan in NYC at July 19th Battle Riot event
NEW YORK – Major League Wrestling today announced Shane “Swerve” Strickland has signed to contract to defend to defend the World Heavyweight Championship at the first-ever Battle Riot® event on July 19th in New York City. Shane Strickland vs. “Worldwide Desperado” Sami Callihan for the World Heavyweight Championship is confirmed to take place at the Melrose Ballroom in Queens, NY.
Challenger Sami Callihan has climbed the rankings with key wins this year over the likes of MVP and “Bad Boy” Joey Janela. This marks Callihan’s first title shot in Major League Wrestling. Recently Callihan has added an arsenal of followers known as the Death Machines consisting of Fulton and Leon Scott. How will they impact this title fight?
However, first the reigning World Heavyweight Champion Shane “Swerve” Strickland must successfully defend his championship next Thursday in Orlando where he will be challenged by Low Ki in a $60,000 bounty match with the championship on the line.
Can Strickland endure the pressure and demands as World Heavyweight Champion? Will the Worldwide Desperado make history with a title win in New York City? Find out LIVE July 19th!
League officials have confirmed that if the reigning champion loses to Low Ki next week at MLW’s Orlando July 12th event, Low Ki will defend against John Hennigan on July 19th.
Tickets are available now at: https://mlwnyc.eventbrite.com.
The winner of the 40-man Battle Riot will receive a World Title shot anytime, anywhere. Elimination is by pinfall, submission or by throwing an individual over the top rope in this no DQ mega match. [Buy tickets]
More will be announced on Friday night’s nationally televised MLW series, MLW: FUSION on beIN Sports at 8pm ET.
Signed thus far for MLW’s July 19th card include:
40-Man Battle Riot
Participants announced thus far include: “Filthy” Tom Lawlor, John Hennigan, “Taskmaster” Kevin Sullivan, Jimmy Havoc, ACH, Davey Boy Smith Jr., Teddy Hart, Rich Swann, Pentagon Jr., Jimmy Yuta, Low Ki, Brody King, Jake Hager, Swoggle, Lance Anoa’i, “PCO” Pierre Carl Ouellet, Konnan, Joey Ryan, Sami Callihan, Jason Cade, MJF, Rey Fenix, Head Shrinker: Samu, Kotto Brazil, Aerostar, Drago and more to be announced soon!
World Heavyweight Title Fight:
Shane “Swerve” Strickland (c) vs. Sami Callihan
World Tag Team Title Fight:
Pentagon Jr. & Rey Fenix (c) vs. AAA’s Drago & Aerostar
Title Fight to determined the first World Middleweight Championship
Joey Ryan vs. MJF
John Hennigan vs. Low Ki
Hart Foundation (Teddy Hart and Davey Boy Smith Jr. with Brian Pillman II) vs. Rich Swann & ACH
More matches and Battle Riot participants will be announced in the coming weeks on MLW: FUSION and MLW.com.
Plus, it’s a TV taping for MLW FUSION on beIN Sports!
Tickets start at $20 at MLWTickets.com!
Be there for the first national televised pro-wrestling live event emanating from Queens, NYC in almost 18 years!
The event will be a Major League Wrestling: FUSION television taping for beIN SPORTS.
Tickets start at just $20. There are limited VIP tickets available which includes early entry (5:30pm Eastern) featuring a Pre-Show Meet and Greet with select MLW Talent plus complimentary poster.
Please note: General Admission SRO Tickets are: $20 for advance sales, $25 Day of Event at the door.
General Public Doors Open: 6pm Eastern
Showtime: 7pm Eastern.
You can purchase tickets today at MLWTickets.com.